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The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.4
Housed in the historic 1929 Clock Tower building, The Misfit champions farm-to-table American comfort food with LA's best happy hour. The high-energy space steps from Third Street Promenade draws crowds for thoughtfully-crafted cocktails and seasonal California cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Mac & Cheese, Pan-Seared Sea Bass, Walnut Bolognaise
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Best happy hour in LA according to multiple publications
Who should go: After-work crowds and cocktail enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday happy hour noon to 7pm
What to order: Mac & cheese, signature cocktails, sea bass
Insider tip: Half-price signature cocktails during extended happy hour
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public lots $8-15, valet available Friday-Saturday $12
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, slightly dressier for dinner
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour - better for groups than intimate dates
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 solid options including excellent veggie mac & cheese
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 modified dishes, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, kitchen accommodating with modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - the high-energy vibe and noise level make intimate conversation challenging. Great for fun, casual dates where you want cocktails and energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early happy hour (before 5pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner walk-ins expect 30+ min wait, but bar seats often available within 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 7pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided. After 7pm becomes more of an adult cocktail scene, especially on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable happy hour deals compared to other Santa Monica spots - half-price cocktails until 7pm beats Elephante and The Bungalow pricing
Skip if: Want quiet romantic ambiance (try Pasjoli instead) or strict dietary restrictions (Erewhon Market cafe has more options)
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.8
Farm-to-table gastropub in the historic 1929 Clock Tower building crushes double patties with aged tillamook cheddar until midnight on weekends. Their legendary happy hour and craft cocktail program elevate the late-night burger experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Smash Burger, Misfit Mac & Cheese, Mokpo Chicken Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Farm-to-fork burgers in a historic architectural gem
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts and late-night foodies
When to visit: Friday nights for midnight dining
What to order: Smash burger, craft cocktails, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Best happy hour in LA from noon to 7 PM daily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, public parking structures within 2 blocks ($3/hr), street parking tough after 7pm
Dress code: Smart casual, upscale but relaxed - nice jeans and a button-down work perfectly
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - can have a conversation without shouting
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating usually 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Walk right in before 12:30pm, 15-20 min wait during peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - black bean burger and several appetizers/salads
Vegan options: Limited - can modify black bean burger, ask server for vegan bun
Gluten-free options: Yes - lettuce wrap option for all burgers, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale enough to impress but casual enough to relax, great cocktails break the ice, and the historic building gives you conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights before 7pm yes, otherwise expect a wait. Pro tip: bar seats are first-come and offer full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than toddlers - no kids menu but they'll do plain burgers, gets loud after 8pm
Best For
Better for: Craft cocktails with burgers, late-night dining, upscale gastropub experience without pretension
Skip if: You want a quick cheap bite, need extensive vegan options, or prefer quiet intimate dining
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
7.9
Housed in the historic 1929 Clock Tower building, this farm-to-table spot features craft cocktails and comfort food with ingredients from nearby farmers markets. Known for LA's best happy hour and weekend brunch, the darkly lit space offers a lively bar scene steps from the beach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Toast with Burrata, Fried Chicken & Waffles, Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Historic Clock Tower location with famous happy hour.
Who should go: Happy hour enthusiasts and cocktail lovers
When to visit: Daily happy hour 12-7pm for best deals
What to order: Craft cocktails, avocado toast, lobster roll
Insider tip: Free 90-minute parking at 4th St structure
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 90-minute parking at 4th St structure, metered street parking ($2/hour until 6pm), valet available Friday-Sunday nights for $15
Dress code: California casual - anything from beach attire to business casual works, most people in jeans and nice tops
Noise level: Lively and energetic - conversation possible but gets loud during sports games and weekend brunch
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 90 min during summer beach season
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min max during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including grain bowls, salads, and veggie burger
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and grain bowls, ask server for vegan bread options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, includes modified brunch items and protein bowls
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - the darkly lit bar area creates good ambiance but can be too loud for getting-to-know-you conversation. Brunch dates work better than dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but expect a wait during weekend brunch (10am-2pm) and Friday/Saturday nights. Bar seating usually available within 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during brunch and early dinner (before 7pm) - high chairs available, kids menu, and outdoor patio keeps noise manageable. Becomes more adult-oriented after 8pm.
Best For
Better for: Best happy hour deal in Santa Monica (12-7pm daily beats most 2-hour windows), superior craft cocktail program compared to other sports bars, and more reliable brunch than trendy spots with long waits
Skip if: Want a quiet romantic dinner, need extensive vegan menu, or prefer modern minimalist ambiance over historic character
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.4
Located in the historic Clock Tower building since 2011, The Misfit serves gluten-free fried chicken from a dedicated fryer alongside craft cocktails in a high-energy atmosphere. Their crispy chicken sandwich features Jidori chicken with fennel slaw and spicy mayo, earning acclaim for accommodating dietary restrictions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-Free Fried Chicken Sandwich, Mokpo Double-Fried Wings, Prime Rib Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Dedicated gluten-free fryer and separate prep area for celiacs
Who should go: Groups and those with dietary restrictions
When to visit: Happy hour 4-7pm Monday-Friday for $5 apps
What to order: Fried chicken sandwich, wings, lobster sliders
Insider tip: Text waitlist lets you grab drinks elsewhere while waiting
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot across street $8-15, metered street parking until 6pm, valet available Friday-Saturday $15
Dress code: California casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, beach attire ok for brunch
Noise level: Energetic buzz - conversation-friendly at lunch, louder during happy hour and weekend nights
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, 30-45 min with text waitlist
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min max during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower wings, salads, mac & cheese, veggie burgers available
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options including cauliflower wings (request vegan sauce) and modified salads
Gluten-free options: Excellent - dedicated fryer, separate prep area, most fried items can be made GF including chicken
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - lively atmosphere takes pressure off conversation, shareable plates encourage interaction, but can get loud on weekends
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/early dinner yes, but use text waitlist for prime times - grab drinks at nearby bars while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - kids menu available, high chairs provided, energetic atmosphere masks noise, best for ages 5+
Best For
Better for: Best gluten-free fried chicken in LA, superior happy hour deals compared to nearby spots, more accommodating for dietary restrictions than Honey's Kettle
Skip if: Want intimate dining or authentic Southern atmosphere - try Gus's or Hotville instead for traditional experience
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
8.4
This downtown Santa Monica staple serves Korean-inspired Mokpo wings that are double-fried to perfection with gochujang and sesame. Since 2011, The Misfit has cultivated a reputation for elevated bar food with its farm-to-table approach, drawing ingredients from the nearby farmers market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mokpo Chicken Wings, Misfit Mac & Cheese, Crispy Blue Corn Sand Dab Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Korean-style double-fried wings with craft cocktails
Who should go: Happy hour enthusiasts and wing connoisseurs
When to visit: Daily happy hour from open until 7pm
What to order: Mokpo wings, craft cocktails, Smash Burger
Insider tip: Voted best happy hour on the Westside by LA Times
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd/3rd St (2hr limit until 6pm, then free), paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15), valet available Friday-Saturday nights for $10
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly, locals dress up slightly for dinner
Noise level: Lively during happy hour (hard to hear across table), mellows after 8pm for date night conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating usually available in 15 min
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cauliflower wings, multiple salads, veggie burger, and shareable sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, cauliflower wings can be made vegan on request
Gluten-free options: Some options - grilled items and salads available, but wings are not GF (breaded)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - the happy hour creates a relaxed vibe, sharing wings breaks the ice, and you can extend to dinner if it's going well
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes (except Friday), but expect 30+ min wait Thursday-Saturday after 6pm. Pro tip: bar seats are first-come and offer full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ before 8pm - it's a bar atmosphere but families are welcome. High chairs available, no kids menu but wings and burgers work
Best For
Better for: Best Korean-fusion wings on the Westside, superior happy hour deals (daily until 7pm vs most places ending at 6pm), craft cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail bars
Skip if: You want authentic Korean BBQ (try Quarters nearby), need a quiet business dinner (too lively), or require extensive vegan options (try Gratitude instead)